Review: Money by Martin Amis

Money (1984) is a satirical snapshot of the consumerist culture that permeated the 1980s told through the eyes of John Self - a man obsessed with money, sex, fighting, and alcohol. The novel follows Self as he gropes through the world, desperately fixated on wealth and dragging himself into a better life. His struggle, and eventual downfall, is frequently grotesque, at times funny, and often searingly poignant.

Through MoneyMartin Amis has created a resonant post-modern critique of the rise of capitalism and the societal shifts that came to define the 1980s in Britain.

Full of literary allusions, the novel’s prose is sumptuous and, whilst the subject matter is at times grim, the quality of writing makes reading this novel an absolute joy. Self’s narration is schizophrenic and representative of a mind stupefied by commodity culture, a mind intent on personal gratification without concern for the wider community.

By turns brilliant and controversial, the issues surrounding Amis and this novel are beyond a snippet review like this. Some works, loved or hated, demand to be read. Money is a rare example of this. Be outraged, be enthralled, but be sure to read this modern classic.

Money is great fun to read, fast-paced, stuffed with interesting language, cutting and very funny. It's also full of literary references and provides an important social commentary - I couldn't have asked for more!

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